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UK Visa Options: An alternative to the 2026-2027 H-1B Cap

The annual H-1B visa cap remains highly competitive, and many candidates find themselves unable to secure a spot due to overwhelming demand. For those affected, the UK offers attractive work placement alternatives, especially now that the H-1B initial registration period has closed. Many individuals who are not selected in the lottery must explore alternative options, …
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Ex gratia – a guide for charity legacy professionals

In November 2025, the long-awaited changes to the ex gratia regime came into force. Bates Wells and the Institute of Legacy Management have collaborated to produce a guide to explain what charities should bear in mind when making ex gratia payments, including navigating decision-making and delegation within a charity’s legacy team. Jump to: Quick reminder …
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Bates Wells appointed to Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) legal services panel

Bates Wells has been appointed to the Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) legal services panel, enabling education organisations across the UK to access the firm’s specialist legal advice through a compliant and streamlined procurement route. CPC is a national procurement framework supporting the education sector and wider public sector, including maintained schools, academies, multi‑academy trusts (MATs), …
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New mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for large employers

Following a recent consultation, on proposals for mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting by large employers, and in light of the widespread support amongst those who responded (87%), the Government has now confirmed that the proposals will be going ahead. Though the new reporting requirements are unlikely to come into force on a compulsory …
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Government publishes new guidance for employers on implementing equality action plans

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”), large employers (i.e. those with 250 or more employees), are being encouraged to develop and publish equality action plans on a voluntary basis from 6 April 2026, and will be required to produce these on a mandatory basis from April 2027. These equality action plans must show …
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A guide for owner-managed businesses: Succession planning

Succession planning is a strategic priority for owner-managed businesses. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, stepping back from operations or simply thinking ahead, a clear plan helps protect your business, preserve its value and ensure continuity. Unlike larger corporates, owner-managed businesses are often shaped around the founder’s vision, relationships and leadership style. This personal imprint can …
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Fundraising and the law: sign up for our webinar series

Our sector-leading fundraising team are hosting a series of webinars on the legal essentials for charity fundraising and an introduction to the regulatory landscape. These sessions are aimed at anyone new to fundraising, as well as seasoned fundraisers looking for a refresher. Register for our next session: Tax – 14 October Fundraising teams are often …
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Events and roundtables for purpose-driven and impact-focussed businesses

Interested in networking and sharing ideas with senior leaders and legal teams within B Corps, social enterprises, impact investors, social banks, and other kinds of purpose-driven businesses? We regularly host events and roundtables to discuss the ‘impact angles’ on key legal and practical issues, and share best practice across a range of topics, including: If …
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UK Government announces updates to Immigration, Nationality and Passport Fee Changes from 8 April 2026

From 8 April 2026, a host of changes to UK immigration, nationality and passport fees will take effect, impacting applicants across various categories. Organisations sponsoring workers will need to adjust their recruitment budgets, while individuals will have to plan their finances accordingly. This is part of a drive for migration and borders operations to be …
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Employment law changes in April 2026: what’s coming up?

From April 2026, as is the case each year, the Government will be increasing the level of employment-related statutory payments, as well as the compensation limits applicable to certain Employment Tribunal awards; roughly in line with inflation. In addition, this year, a number of provisions in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA”) will be coming …
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Could withdrawing a job offer because of an applicant’s social media posts be discriminatory? Lessons from Ngole v Touchstone Leeds

Pre-employment checks are a crucial part of any recruitment process. But what happens when those checks uncover social media posts by a job applicant which the employer feels are controversial or offensive; or which might relate to a protected belief, but be in conflict with the protected characteristics of colleagues, clients and/or service users? Balancing …
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Managing financial difficulties as a charity: key takeaways

These are challenging times for charities with rising costs and increased demand for services and some may find themselves facing financial difficulties. Explore some of the next steps and key takeaways if your charity is looking for guidance on dealing with financial difficulties. This blog was co-written by Laura Soley (Partner, Bates Wells), Philip Kirkpatrick …
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